Shirts and shorts having elastic and non-stretch portions and bands to provide hip and posture support

ABSTRACT

One aspect of the invention may be characterized as a shirt configured to counteract detrimental upper body movement. The shirt has a base layer, a plurality of inelastic bands, and a load distribution portion. The plurality of inelastic bands are coupled to the base layer, and include a first cross-connecting band, a second cross-connecting band, a third cross-connecting band, and a fourth cross-connecting band. The load distribution portion is also coupled to the base layer, and anchors ends of the first, second, third, and fourth cross-connecting bands. Further, the first, second, third, and fourth cross-connecting bands and the load distribution portion are configured to limit internal rotation and anterior tilting of the scapula when the shirt is worn by a user.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

The present application for patent is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/731,830 filed on Dec. 31, 2012, whichclaims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/582,042, both entitled“SHIRTS AND SHORTS HAVING ELASTIC AND NON-STRETCH PORTIONS AND BANDS TOPROVIDE HIP AND POSTURE SUPPORT” filed Dec. 30, 2011, and assigned tothe assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to injury prevention andrecovery. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the presentdisclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatus for garments thatsupports static and dynamic body alignment to prevent or compensate forweakening, fatigued or injured muscles.

BACKGROUND

The sport of running is a popular fitness activity, with an estimated 30million Americans classified as recreational runners (Austin, 2002). Theoverall incidence of lower extremity injuries in runners that run≧5 kmper training day or race has been found to range between 19.4% and 79.3%(van Gent et al., 2007). The predominant joint injured is the knee (7.2%to 50.0%) followed by the ankle (3.9% to 16.6%) and hip (3.3% to 11.5%).Overuse injuries are the majority of all musculoskeletal runninginjuries stemming from training errors, anatomical or biomechanicalfactors (Hreljac et al., 2000; James et al., 1978; Macera et al., 1989).

Core stability has been defined as the lumbo-pelvic hip muscle strengthand endurance yielding a coordinated activation of muscles andmaintenance of alignment throughout the kinetic chain (Fredericson etal. (2005); Kibler et al. (2006); Leetun et al. (2004); Willson et al.(2005)). The stance phase of running is a closed kinetic chain activityrequiring proximal stability to balance and support the weight of theupper body. When core instability exists, due to strength and/orendurance deficits, the body may not be optimally aligned to absorb andproduce large ground reaction forces, which in turn could place therunner at an increased risk for lower extremity injury (Ferber et al.,2002; Marti et al., 1988). Frontal plane pelvic drop is one sign of coreinstability that could be identified as a weak link in the kineticchain. Pelvic drop in the frontal plane, termed ‘Trendelenburg gait,’ isvisualized when there is a downward obliquity from the hip of the stanceleg towards the opposite hip during its swing phase. It should beunderstood that the term “kinetic chain” or “kinetic chain of joints”are terms borrowed from engineering, and are used in reference to acombination of successively arranged joints in which the terminalsegment may move freely, such as when throwing a ball, or when theterminal joint is fixed, such as when performing a push-up.

Core instability as demonstrated by frontal plane pelvic drop is due tostrength and endurance issues of the gluteus medius muscle (Mann et al.,1986). The gluteus medius is one of the strongest lower extremitymuscles (Ward, Eng, Smallwood, & Lieber, 2009) and is made up of threeparts of nearly equal volume with three distinct muscle fiber directionsand separate innervations (Dostal, Soderberg, & Andrews, 1986;Gottschalk, Kourosh, & Leveau, 1989). This muscle originates on thedorsal ilium below the iliac crest and inserts at the top outsidesurfaces of the greater trochanter. Based on its anatomical location,cross sectional area and architecture, the gluteus medius muscle iscritical to the functions of the lower back (Nelson-Wong, Gregory,Winter, & Callaghan, 2008), hip (Bolgla & Uhl, 2005; Delp et al., 1999),knee (Boling, Bolgla, Mattacola, Uhl, & Hosey, 2006; Mascal, Landel, &Powers, 2003; Nakagawa et al., 2008) and the ankle. Hence, coreinstability due to gluteus medius muscle weakness will lead to abnormalspinal and lower extremity kinematics during running.

The gait adaptations due to a weak or fatigued gluteus medius muscleduring running and the anatomical areas at risk of structural overloadare summarized in Table 1 (Bolgla & Uhl, 2005; Boling, Bolgla,Mattacola, Uhl, & Hosey, 2006; Cichanowski et al., 2007; Fredericson etal., 2000; Ireland et al., 2003; Leetun et al., 2004; Mascal, Landel, &Powers, 2003; Nakagawa et al., 2008; Nelson-Wong, Gregory, Winter, &Callaghan, 2008; Niemuth et al., 2005; Presswood et al., 2008; Reiman etal., 2009; Souza et al., 2009). Individual running techniques maydemonstrate combinations of the adaptations below but clearly notsimultaneous medial and lateral knee drift. Further, the gaitadaptations may also occur during walking visualized as a waddlingmotion or a limp.

The following listing shows gait adaptations due to a weak gluteusmedius muscle during running. A Trendelenburg gait is associated with arisk of structural overload in the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint (SIJ),and greater trochanter bursa, as well as an insertion of muscle on thegreater trochanter, and overactivity of the piriformis and tensor fascialata (TFL). Medial knee drift (valgus position of tibiofemoral joint) isassociated with structural overload in the lateral tibiofemoralcompartment (via compression), patellofemoral joint, patella tendon andfat pad, pes anserinus, iliotibial band (ITB), and anterior cruciateligament strain (ACL). Lateral knee drift (varus position oftibiofemoral joint) is associated with structural overload in the medialtibiofemoral compartment (via compression), ITB, posterolateral kneesoft tissues (via tension), and popliteus. A same sided shift of trunk(lateral flexion of trunk) is associated with structural overload in thelumbar spine (increased disc and facet joint compression), and SIJ(increased shear).

The most commonly diagnosed lower limb soft tissue injuries caused bydistance running are iliotibial band syndrome, tibial stress syndrome,patellofemoral pain syndrome, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis(Yeung & Yeung 2001). From the table above, a common adaptation fromweakness of the gluteus medius muscle during the stance phase of runningoccurs when the femur excessively adducts or internally rotates. Thesemotions increases the tension on the iliotibial band (Taunton et al.,2002) and cause abnormal patellofemoral contact stress (Souza & Powers,2009). Continuing down the kinetic chain, internal rotation of the femuralso allows the knee to fall into a valgus position and promotes thetibia to rotate internally relative to the foot and increases the weighttransfer to the medial aspect of the foot. These motions increase therisk of any condition relating to excessive and/or prolonged pronationof the foot such as tibial stress syndrome and Achilles tendonitis(Lundberg et al., 1989). Further, the combination motions of anklepronation and knee valgus are implicated as the primary mechanism ofnon-contact ACL injury in sports where running is an integral component(Souza & Powers, 2009).

Poor lumbo-pelvic posture due to abnormal sagittal plane or frontalplane pelvic rotations leads to compensation in the thoracic spinalposture and subsequent shoulder dyskinesis (Borstad, 2006; Greenfield etal., 1995). Poor thoracic posture relates to an increased forward curveof the thoracic region of the spine (kyphosis) and produces a ‘hunching’or ‘hump back’ appearance and a rounding of the shoulders. The roundingof the upper back and shoulders cause the head and neck to tilt downwardthus to look straight ahead requires the head to be lifted upward andforward. This forward head posture causes several clinical symptoms andalso the continuation of many clinical issues including headaches, painbetween the shoulder blades, upper back pain, neck pain, numbness andtingling of the fingers and shoulder pain. Pain originating from theshoulder could also radiate into the neck, head, arm, or chest.

Excessive rounding of the shoulders disrupts the upper kinetic chainduring arm raising movements and causes a sequence of abnormal kinematicevents of the scapula, clavicle and humerus. First, this thoracickyphosis causes abnormal three-dimensional scapular kinematics includingabnormal scapular protraction, internal rotation, downward rotation andanterior tilting. These abnormal motions produce shoulder pain andglenohumeral joint movement dysfunction common to many debilitatingconditions discussed below. The most frequently occurring problemsinclude shoulder impingement and associated rotator cuff disease ortendinopathy, which can progress to rotator cuff tears as well asglenohumeral joint instability and adhesive capsulitis. A very highproportion of these shoulder complaints are related to occupational orathletic activities that involve frequent use of the arm at, or aboveshoulder level.

The following provides a summary of scapular kinematics when raising thearm in healthy and pathological states (modified from Ludewig andReynolds, 2009). The muscle group associated with primary scapularmotion has an upward rotation when healthy. When impingement or rotatorcuff disease and/or glenohumeral joint instability are present, themuscle group exhibits less upward rotation. When adhesive capsulitis ispresent, the group exhibits greater upward rotation. The muscle groupassociated with secondary scapular motion exhibits a posterior tiltingwhen healthy. When impingement or rotator cuff disease are present, lessposterior tilting is exhibited. No consistent evidence for motionalteration has been found in the cases of glenohumeral joint instabilityand adhesive capsulitis. The muscle group associated with accessoryscapular motion exhibits internal and external rotation when healthy.The muscle group exhibits greater internal rotation when impingement orrotator cuff disease and/or glenohumeral joint instability are present;however a consistent response has not been shown in the case of adhesivecapsulitis. When all of the muscle groups are in a healthy state, theshoulder range of motion and subacromial space are maximized.Impingement or rotator cuff disease is contributory to subacromial orinternal impingement, while glenohumeral joint instability iscontributory to less inferior and anterior joint instability. Adhesivecapsulitis results in compensation to minimize a loss in the functionalrange of motion.

Thoracic kyphosis and abnormal scapular kinematics changes the restinglength and sensory capacity of 17 muscles that attach to the scapula:serratus anterior, supraspinatus, subscapularis, trapezius, teres major,teres minor, triceps (long head), biceps brachii, rhomboid major,rhomboid minor, coracobrachialis, omohyoid, latissimus dorsi, deltoid,levator scapulae, infraspinatus and pectoralis minor. The tension withinthese 17 muscles produce a balance of forces across the scapula. Apositional change of the scapula will cause a lengthening and ashortening of opposing muscles attached to the scapula that disruptsthis muscular balance leading to a reduction of the force generatingcapacity of muscles and limiting the functional stability and mobilityof the shoulder. Further, each muscle has sensory receptors that informthe central nervous system of the length and tension state of the muscleas well as the position of a joint or bone. The quality of this sensoryinformation is reduced with abnormal scapular motion and either causesor compounds movement compensations and clinical symptoms of theglenohumeral joint.

The scapula and the muscles attaching to the scapula are also a part ofthe fascial networks of the body. Fascia, in general, is a connectivetissue that encases muscles (and organs) and attaches them to theskeletal system. Muscles (latin: myo) and their connective tissue formfunctional myofascial lines of the body which ultimately construct thekinetic chain. The scapula is an important intersection of severalmyofascial tracks, or continuities of myofascial units that integratethe axial skeleton (arms and legs) with the trunk. Fascia is a materialthat can deform and retain its length when it is either shortened orlengthened hence abnormal scapular positions influence the myofasicaltracks of the entire body that influence postural function and movementbased problems.

Last, the upper arm, or humerus, articulates with the scapula at theglenohumeral joint and abnormal scapular kinematics from poor shoulderposture causes the humerus to shift down and rotate inwards toward thecenter of the body. The scapula also articulates with the clavicle atthe acromioclavicular joint hence abnormal scapular and humeralkinematics causes abnormal clavicular kinematics, namely clavicularprotraction, and increases force transmission of the proximal portion ofthe clavicle on the first rib at the sternoclavicular joint. Theincreased force transmission at this joint in combination with thoracickyphosis limits the ability of the ribs to expand during respiration andthe respiratory muscles to properly function thus reducing lung volumeand blood oxygenation.

Collectively, core strength imbalances may be associated with orpredispose an individual to injury. Successful preventative strategiesinclude modifying training schedules or external body support (i.e.,patellar knee brace, footwear, lumbar brace) (Yeung & Yeung, 2009).However, it has been shown that appropriate muscular balance exercisesenhance the joint range of motion. As just one example, gluteus mediusmuscle strengthening exercises reduces the magnitude of frontal planepelvic drop (Presswood et al., 2008), improves performance (Lephart etal., 2007) and reduces clinical symptoms in the soft tissues of the hip(Bolgla & Uhl, 2005), knee (Boling, Bolgla, Mattacola, Uhl, & Hosey,2006; Mascal, Landel, & Powers, 2003; Nakagawa et al., 2008) and lumbararea (Nelson-Wong, Gregory, Winter, & Callaghan, 2008). Further,strength and kinematic improvements in the lumbar area are related toimprovements in the thoracic area and leads to beneficial changes inshoulder and respiratory function.

In an attempt to prevent and/or heal injuries, taping has beenclassically employed. More recently, other compression products, such asthe clothing described in European Patent 0834264, granted to WacoalCorp. on Jun. 4, 2003, have also been introduced to simulate taping in amore convenient manner. In both cases, the approach is to hold orsqueeze a joint or muscle into a certain position. Most therapistsbelieve that a particular taping pattern will either enhance or inhibitthe activation of the muscle; however, only inhibition has been shown inthe research. As a result, atrophy or weakening of the muscle may be aconcern.

Relatedly, compression products, such as those described in EuropeanPatent 0834264, aim to support the shoulder or glenohumeral joint. To doso, these compression products use bands on the shoulder in an attemptto anchor the scapula or shoulder blade at the top middle position, tocounteract the shoulder rotating downwards. However, this configurationdoes not function as the arm reaches shoulder height, such as whenthrowing or other overhead movements. The configuration disclosed inEuropean Patent 0834264 also tends to lead to internal rotation andanterior tilting of the scapula.

Conversely, shoulder and knee braces, orthotics, heel wedges and otherorthopedic products have been introduced to redirect forces applied tothe body and reduce pain and other clinical symptoms. Various braces areknown that can mitigate some of the above challenges. However, bracestend to be uncomfortable, heavy, and aesthetically displeasing,especially when worn for long periods of time (e.g., a full day on theski slopes). As a result, braces are often not worn for as long as theycould be and thus their beneficial effects are not fully felt. Further,braces are used to immobilize or compensate for a change in jointstability or angular position caused by muscular weakness or injury andare thought to promote atrophy of the muscles surrounding the jointleading to secondary clinical problems.

There is therefore a need in the art for physiological supportmechanisms that are lightweight, comfortable, and fashionable and thatfacilitate functional movement and muscular function of the kineticchain. There is also a need in the art for a device that providesdirectional forces and a concurrent sensory inflow to the centralnervous system to facilitate scapular stability by reducing scapularinternal rotation and anterior tilting while allowing maximum range ofmotion and power generation of the upper kinetic chain. There is also aneed in the art for physiological support mechanisms that provideoptimal support of the seventeen muscles that attach to the scapula andthe myofascial tracks that link posture, mobility and stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in thedrawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are morefully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to beunderstood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventionto the forms described in this Summary of the Invention or in theDetailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that thereare numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructionsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed inthe claims.

One aspect of the invention may be characterized as a shirt configuredto counteract detrimental upper body movement. The shirt has a baselayer, a plurality of inelastic bands, and a load distribution portion.The plurality of inelastic bands are coupled to the base layer, andinclude a first cross-connecting band, a second cross-connecting band, athird cross-connecting band, and a fourth cross-connecting band. Theload distribution portion is also coupled to the base layer, and anchorsends of the first, second, third, and fourth cross-connecting bands.Further, the first, second, third, and fourth cross-connecting bands andthe load distribution portion are configured to limit internal rotationand anterior tilting of the scapula when the shirt is worn by a user.

Another aspect of the invention may be characterized as a method ofcounteracting detrimental upper body movement. The method comprisesdonning a shirt and limiting internal rotation and anterior tilting ofthe scapula. The shirt comprises a base layer, a plurality of inelasticbands coupled to the base layer, and a load distribution portion, and isconfigured to limit internal rotation and anterior tilting of thescapula when worn by a user.

Another aspect of the invention may be characterized as a method ofmanufacturing a shirt. The method comprises forming a base layer,securing a plurality of inelastic bands to the base layer, and securinga load distribution portion to the base layer and to at least two of theplurality of inelastic bands. The base layer has a first elasticity, andthe plurality of inelastic bands have a second elasticity less than thefirst elasticity. The load distribution portion anchors at least two ofthe plurality of inelastic bands to substantially a middle of a back ofthe shirt, and also has the second elasticity.

Systems and methods are herein disclosed for garments made from multiplematerials having different levels of elasticity (stretchiness) so as toprovide external tensions in specific directions on the body and therebyreproduce the anatomical function of various muscles in the upper body.The garments can be worn separately or together as top layers, as anunderlayer or liner for other garments, or as training/rehabilitationgear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of thepresent invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by referringto the following detailed description and to the appended claims whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a back of a shirt according to one embodiment ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front of the shirt of FIG. 1A.

illustrates a front and back of a shirt according to one embodiment ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the shirt illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates a back of a shirt according to another embodiment ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front of the shirt of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back of a garment in the form of shorts accordingto one embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front of the garment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side of the garment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a garment in the form of shortsaccording to another embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates a rear view of a garment in the form of a shirtconfigured to be coupled to a garment in the form of shorts.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear view of the garment in the form of shortsthat the shirt of FIG. 8A is configured to couple to.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of shorts according to one embodiment ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the shorts of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the shorts of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a shirt according to one embodimentof this disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the shirt of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14A illustrates a front view of a shirt according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 14B illustrates a rear view of the shirt of FIG. 14A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to performance, injuryprevention and rehabilitation. In particular, but not by way oflimitation, the present disclosure relates to systems, methods andapparatuses for clothing that compensates, facilitates or trainsweakening or injured muscles by supporting the three dimensionalposition of a bone, a joint or a system of joints rather than covering aparticular area specific to the location of any one particular muscle.By directing external forces via fabric tensions in a specific path,skeletal alignment is improved and allows the individual to use his orher own muscular mechanisms to produce healthy movements and counteractmovement based problems and clinical symptoms.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

The embodiments of the present invention incorporating multiplematerials and directions of external tensions are form-fit to the body.These embodiments are not to be confused with compression garments thatmay be similar in appearance yet only provide a singular,circumferential squeezing force to the body. Scientific testing in theHuman Dynamics Laboratory at the University of Denver has demonstratedthat an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in one or moreof FIGS. 9-11 was superior (95% probability) to a compression garment,known in the art and having similar dimensions, at promoting corestability as well as dynamic landing balance. Dynamic landing balance isa specific functional effect of enhanced core stability.

The gluteus medius muscle links the entire lower extremity with theentire upper extremity and influences the function of the muscular,skeletal and respiratory systems. Therefore external support provided tothe gluteus medius muscle during running and/or activities of daily lifeaugmented with postural support of the upper extremity would have aglobal effect of enhancing dynamic and static postures with a wide rangeof preventative and/or rehabilitative implications.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a back and front of a shirt, respectively,according to one embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates aside view of the shirt showing a left half of the front and back of theshirt. In particular, the shirt includes two types of material (orfabric), one being a 4-way stretch material, which makes up most of theshirt (or an entire layer of the shirt), and a second, being anon-stretch material. A non-stretch material is one that is less-elasticthan the 4-way stretch material. The non-stretch material extends in afirst band down 112 from a neck 106 of the shirt towards a front corner114 of the non-stretch material where the first band 112 connects with asecond band 110. The second band 110 extends from a front of a shoulder104 to the front corner 114. The second band 110 does not cross over theshoulder 104 to the back. Rather a fourth band 111 extends down from aback of the shoulder 104 to a back corner 118 of the non-stretchmaterial. A third band 116 extends down from the neck 106 to the backcorner 118 where it connects with the fourth band 111. The back alsoincludes a rear load distribution ring 120 connected to the third band116 via a first cross-connecting band 121 and connected to a side andlower portion of the torso of the shirt via a second cross-connectingband 122.

While various bands have been described separately, it should be notedthat the first and second bands 112, 110 can be a single continuouspiece of material in some embodiments and the third band 116, fourthband 111, and first cross-connecting band 121 can be a single continuouspiece of material. The second cross-connecting band 122 can also be partof this same single continuous piece of material. In another embodiment,the load distribution ring 120 can also be part of this singlecontinuous piece of material. Alternatively, the load distribution ring120 can be a separate piece of material that one or more bands connectto, or that is attached to the bands where they intersect, connect, oroverlap. For instance, the bands could connect to an outer rim orcircumference of the load distribution ring 120. The load distributionring 120 can also take any of a variety of shapes or configuration ofshapes and is not limited to a circular shape. For instance, the loaddistribution ring 120 could be a configuration of two overlapping shapeseach of which could take a shape of an octagon.

The width of the bands does not have a specific value, although it maybe desirable for the second and fourth bands 110, 111 to betapered—being wider near the corners 114, 118 and narrower toward thetop of the shoulder 104. The second and fourth bands 110, 111 can bearranged adjacent to a tip of the shoulder at the acromioclavicularjoint. In other words, if an imaginary line passed through the tip ofthe shoulder at the acromioclavicular joint, perpendicular to a frontalplane of the body, the imaginary line would pass through the tapered endof bands 110, 111 near the top of the shoulder 104. In some embodiments,the tapered end of bands 110, 111 can be offset from the imaginary linepassing through the tip of the shoulder at the acromioclavicular jointby up to 500 mm.

The load distribution ring 120 can be arranged centrally on the back andwith its center vertically positioned over any of the thoracic spinousprocesses anatomically located between the bottom of the neck and themiddle of the back. FIGS. 1 and 3 depict the load distribution ring 120to be centered over the spinous process near the 6^(th) thoracicvertebra. More specifically, however, the load distribution ring 120 isarranged and configured to cause, in conjunction with a firstcross-connecting band 121 and/or a second cross-connecting band 122 acompression of the inferior and medial portions of the scapula tooptimize shoulder position, and thus shoulder function, while providingan optimal upright posture.

The non-stretch bands in combination with the 4-way stretch materialgenerate forces configured to mimic muscle function in a user's upperback and shoulders thus assist with proper posture. In particular, thefirst and second bands 112, 110 in conjunction with the third and fourthbands 116, 111 tension the 4-way stretch fabric across the top of theshoulder 104 and function to “capture” the shoulder. The crossconnecting bands 121, 122 and the load distribution ring 120 place arearward force on the “captured” shoulder and creates a retraction ofthe clavicle and scapula. This rearward force is directed obliquelythrough the cross connecting bands 121 and redirected via the loaddistribution ring 120 to the lower cross connecting band 122 and appliesa compressive force on the scapula creating scapular external rotation;scapular upward rotation; and posterior tilting of the scapula.

The non-stretch material can include any material having less elasticitythan the 4-way stretch material, although in a preferred embodiment itincludes material having no or substantially no elasticity orstretchability. The non-stretch material can be a fabric or othermaterial that does not extend when put under human-induced forces. The4-way stretch material is a fabric or other material that extends in anelastic manner when put under human-induced forces.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the shirt illustrated in FIG. 1. Thefirst band 112 can be seen to extend down from the neck 106 to the frontcorner 114 where it connects to the second band 110, which extends downfrom the front of the shoulder 104. The third band 116 also extends downfrom the neck 106 to the rear corner 118 where it connects to the fourthband 111, which extends down from the rear of the shoulder 104. As seen,the second and fourth bands 110, 111 do not meet, but leave a gap at thetop of the shoulder 104.

The corners 114, 118 can be aligned with or substantially with theglenohumeral joint. In other words, an imaginary line passing throughthe scapula-arm articulation and perpendicular to a frontal plane of thebody would pass through the front corner 114 and the rear corner 118.

For simplicity, other portions of the back of the shirt (e.g., the loaddistribution ring) are not illustrated.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a back and a front of a shirt, respectively,according to another embodiment of this disclosure. The shirt againincludes a first band 312 extending from a neck 306 to a front corner314 where the first band 312 intersects with a second band 310, whichextends from a front of a shoulder 304 to the front corner 314. The rearof the shirt also has a third band 316 which extends from the neck 306to a rear corner 318 where it connects to a fourth non-stretch band 311.The fourth non-stretch band 311 extends from a rear of the shoulder 304to the rear corner 318. A rear load distribution ring 320 connects tothe third non-stretch band 316 via a first cross-connecting band 321.The rear load distribution ring 320 also connects to a secondcross-connecting band 322. The second cross-connecting band extends downfrom the rear load distribution ring 320 and wraps around the torso tothe front of the shirt where it connects to a bottom front of the shirt.

In some embodiments, the various bands herein described can be combinedinto longer continuous bands. For instance, the third band 311, fourthband 316, and the first cross-connecting band 321 can be a singlecontinuous band. This band may even cross underneath or through the rearload distribution ring 320 and wrap around the torso and connect to abottom front of the shirt. Alternatively, all bands on the rear of theshirt can be unified.

In an embodiment, the load distribution ring 320 can be a separate pieceof material that the one or more bands connect to, or that is attachedto the bands where they intersect, connect, or overlap. For instance,the bands could connect to an outer rim or circumference of the loaddistribution ring 320. In another embodiment, the load distribution ring320 can be made from the same piece of material as the various bands onthe back of the shirt. The load distribution ring 320 can also take anyof a variety of shapes or configuration of shapes and is not limited toa circular shape. For instance, the load distribution ring 320 could bea configuration of two overlapping shapes each of which could take ashape of an octagon.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a back, front, and side of shorts 400,respectively, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The shorts400 are configured to counteract frontal plane pelvic drop (where onehip is lower than the other when viewed from the front or rear) andinternal rotation of the femur (where the pelvis rotates clockwise abovethe right hip with or without the right femur rotating counter clockwisewhen viewed from the top), which both can lead to unnecessary loading ofa knee. While some systems and methods in the prior art use shorts orpants to counteract bending of the torso in forward and backwarddirections (rotation in the sagittal plane), the present disclosure goesa step further by also counteracting frontal plane pelvic drop (rotationin the frontal plane) and internal rotation of the femur (inwardrotation of the hips in the transverse plane).

The shorts 400 include three different types of material each having adifferent elasticity. A base layer 410 can be a 4-way stretch material.Bands of two other elasticities can attach to this base layer 410 suchthat the shorts 400 are multi-layered. A continuous elastic band 402 canbe made from a highly elastic material with a more powerful stretchrecovery than the base layer material 410 while a continuous non-stretchband 404 can be made from a non-stretch material.

The continuous non-stretch band 404 can start from the sacrum just belowthe lower back, traverse down a side of the hip with a slight spiral tothe front of the leg just over the midline of the leg. The angle of thecontinuous non-stretch band 404 is somewhat downward or angled toward abottom of the shorts. This angle and the lack of elasticity of thecontinuous non-stretch band 404 counteract any tendency that a user hasto lean forward at the waist.

A continuous elastic band 402, affixed to the non-stretch band 404behind the hip, can wrap around the waist just above the hips andintersect or overlap with itself on a front of the shorts at a loaddistribution ring 414. The continuous elastic band 402 is a highlyelastic material with a more powerful stretch recovery than the baselayer material 410 and the non-stretch band 404. The continuous elasticband 402 also extends from the load distribution ring 414 obliquely fromthe pubis and continues down the side of the hip crossing the continuousnon-stretch band 404 and connecting laterally to a bottom side andbottom rear of the shorts.

The continuous elastic band 402 and the continuous non-stretch band 404both connect to the bottom sides of the shorts 400. These two materials,having substantially different elasticities, in close proximity, createa rotation force in the transverse plane for each hip having an inwardrotational direction as indicated by arrows 420. In other words, thesetwo materials create a force that rotates the right hip clockwise andthe left hip counterclockwise (in the transverse plane), thuscounteracting any tendency of the hips to rotate inward. The closeproximity of the continuous elastic band 402 and the continuousnon-stretch band 404 on the sides of the hips also acts to counteractany frontal plane pelvic drop. In other words, the arrangement of thebands 402, 404 on the side of the hip helps ensure that the hips remainlevel (in the frontal plane).

The load distribution ring 414 can be arranged at the intersection oroverlap point of the two portions of the continuous elastic band 402 toincrease the stiffness of the continuous elastic band 402. As thecontinuous elastic band 402 is stretched during leg and hip movement,the load distribution ring 414 can assist the continuous elastic band402 in applying pressure to the soft tissues of the lower abdominal areaand to distribute tension to the non-stretch band 404 on the sides ofthe hip. The effect is to provide support to dynamic hip and pelvisrotations.

The load distribution ring 414 is illustrated as a pentagon that isasymmetric in two dimensions. However, the load distribution ring 414can also be symmetric or can take on other shapes such as a circle,oval, square, hexagon, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle,quadrilateral, rhombus, trapezoid, and many others.

The continuous elastic band 402 crosses over a top of the continuousnon-elastic band 404 on both sides of the shorts 400. However, in oneembodiment, the two bands 402, 404 can intersect such that they do notoverlap, but rather are intertwined. By crossing the continuous elasticband 402 over the continuous non-elastic band 404 the non-elastic band404 acts as a skeleton or support from which the elastic band 402 cangenerate tension against when extended. The same skeletal or supportingeffect is also provided by the load distribution ring 414. Thecontinuous elastic band 402 extends from the load distribution ring 414,whereas without the load distribution ring 414, the continuous elasticband 402 would extend out of a different reference point or out of adistributed set of reference points, thus causing entirely differentforces and tensions to be generated by the continuous elastic band 402.

The shorts can maintain their vertical position via a waistband, tie, orother mechanism at the waist, and by a non-slip elastic leg bandcircumferentially arranged at a bottom of each leg inside the shorts.The non-slip elastic leg band can wrap around an entire circumference ofthe inside of each leg of the shorts, or can wrap around only a portionof the circumference. In one embodiment, the non-slip elastic leg bandcan have two portions, each wrapping around substantially a quarter ofthe inside circumference of each leg and positioned adjacent to aninside and outside of the leg. The shorts 400 can end approximately 2 to4 inches above the patella (knee cap).

In one embodiment, the tension of the continuous elastic band 402 isadjustable. For instance, a VELCRO strap, D-ring connector, or someother adjustment means can be used to shorten or lengthen the continuouselastic band 402 relative to the load distribution ring 414. In otherwords, different portions of the continuous elastic band 402 can beconnected to the load distribution ring 414 to increase or decrease thetension of the continuous elastic band 402 just as a belt is shortenedor lengthened. This adjustment embodiment allows the shorts 400 toaccommodate varying user proportions (e.g., different thigh girths orupper leg circumferences). The adjustments also allow customization ofthe level of support provided by the shorts 400 to the gluteus mediusmuscle as well as controlling the amount of gluteal shaping.

A portion of the continuous elastic band 402 can be narrower than otherportions of the continuous elastic band 402. For instance, asillustrated, a portion of the continuous elastic band 402 crossing thecontinuous non-stretch band 404 tapers to a point near a lower rear edgeof the continuous non-stretch band 404 before widening again as thecontinuous elastic band 402 extends to a bottom of the shorts 400.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than attaching the elastic andnon-elastic bands (or panels) onto the 4-way stretch material to form amulti-layer article of clothing, the bands can be attached to panels ofthe 4-way stretch material to form a single-layer article of clothing.

The shorts 400 provide external multidirectional support and variabletensions to the body and reproduce the function of the gluteus mediusmuscle. An abnormal anatomical relationship between the pelvis and thefemur is the primary result of a weak and un-supported gluteus mediusmuscle. This core instability causes a decrement in athletic performanceand clinical symptoms in the spine, hip, knee and ankle. The shorts 400can be form fitting and include bands (or panels) of various elasticity,and be configured to apply tensions to a wearer's anatomy that assistthe function of the gluteus medius muscle in maintaining skeletalalignment, reducing dynamic compensatory or abnormal motions of thespine and leg, decreasing or preventing clinical symptoms, enhancingathletic performance, and promoting gluteal shaping.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of shorts 700 according to one embodimentof this disclosure. The shorts 700 include a continuous elastic band 702and a continuous non-elastic band 704. These bands can be connected toor attached over a four-way stretch material 710. The continuous elasticband 702 can overlap a portion of the continuous non-stretch band 704near a mid portion of a side of the hip. Stitches 712 (or any othermeans of affixing one material to another) along an edge of thecontinuous non-stretch band 704 can also be stitched through thecontinuous elastic band 702 so as to hold at least a portion of thecontinuous elastic band 702 in place relative to a portion of thecontinuous non-stretch band 704.

FIG. 8A illustrates a rear view of a shirt that is connectable to shortsas illustrated in FIG. 8B according to one embodiment of thisdisclosure. The illustrated shirt and shorts can be connected viaconnecting mechanisms 800 and 801. The connecting mechanism 800 can belocated on an underside of the shirt at the bottom of panel 124 near thewaistline. The connecting mechanism 800 can attach to the shorts viaconnecting mechanism 801 located on a non-stretch panel 804 of theshorts. The connecting mechanisms 800, 801 can be snaps, VELCRO, aD-ring connector, or any other mechanism or material that secures theshirt onto the shorts. While illustrated as being located on a rear ofthe shirt and shorts, the connecting mechanisms can be located atvarious other locations including the sides and front of the shirt andshorts. In some embodiments, the connecting mechanisms 800, 801 can belocated on two or more of the sides, front, and rear of the shirt andshorts. While two connecting mechanisms 800 and two connectingmechanisms 801 are illustrated, there can also be more or less than theillustrated number of connecting mechanisms 800, 801. For instance, eachof the shirt and shorts could have a connecting mechanism on the front,sides, and rear.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of shorts according to one embodiment ofthis disclosure. In one embodiment, the shorts 900 are configured tocounteract frontal pelvic plane drop and internal rotation of the femur.The shorts 900 can comprise a base layer 901 having a first elasticity.For the purpose of indicating locations of various elements, the baselayer 901 can be split into a left leg portion 902 and a right legportion 904. A plurality of elastic bands (e.g., 906, 908, 910) can becoupled to or atop the base layer 901, forming a second layer, and canbe made from a second material often having the same or a similarelasticity to the first material. In some cases, the second material maybe the same as the first material or base layer 901.

The shorts 900 may further include a load distribution ring 912 coupledatop the base layer 901 in a front of the shorts 900 proximate to afront waist portion. In other words, the load distribution ring 912 canbe adjacent to or overlap a waist portion 914. The load distributionring 912 can be coupled to ends of two or more of the plurality ofelastic bands 906, 908, 910. For instance, and as illustrated, the loaddistribution ring 912 is coupled to ends of elastic band 906, an end ofelastic band 908, and an end of elastic band 910. The load distributionring 912 can be made from a third material typically having lesselasticity than either the base layer 901 or the second material. Thethird material can be inelastic or a non-stretch material.

An inelastic band 916 can be coupled atop the base layer 901 and atopportions of at least some of the plurality of elastic bands 906, 908,910. For instance, and as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inelasticband 916 is coupled atop at least a portion of the elastic band 906 in arear of the shorts 900 proximate to the waist portion 914. This overlapcan stretch from a left to a right side of the shorts 900. Inparticular, the inelastic band 916 overlaps at least a portion of theelastic band 906 proximal a point on the shorts 900 that is configuredto be arranged between a sacrum and lower back of a user wearing theshorts. The inelastic band 916 can be shaped so as to have a top edgeparallel to the waist region 914 in a rear and possibly sides of theshorts 900, while a lower edge has a concave shape in the rear. Alongthe sides and toward the front of the shorts 900 the inelastic band 916tapers to a strip having a similar width to the elastic bands 906, 908,910.

The inelastic band 916 can further couple to two or more of theplurality of elastic bands 906, 908, 910, for instance the elastic bands908 and 910 as illustrated. The inelastic band 916 can further intersecta bottom portion, or each leg portion, at a front of the shorts 900. Theinelastic band 916 may further traverse down each side of the shorts 900with a slight spiral to a front of each of the left and right legportions 920, 918 as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11.

In some cases the inelastic band 916 counteracts a user's tendency toabnormally allow the pelvis to tip forward at the waist. Put anotherway, the inelastic band 916 provides a structure or skeleton for theshorts 900. In particular, the inelastic band 916 provides regions ofthe shorts 900 that do not stretch when elastic portions of the shorts900 are stretched.

The elastic band 906 can be referred to as a lateral elastic band 906since it wraps around the shorts 906 proximate to the waist portion 914.The lateral elastic band 906 can be discontinuous and have two ends eachcoupled to a portion of the load distribution ring 912. In theillustrated embodiment, where the load distribution ring 912 has two ormore edges, the ends of the lateral elastic band 906 can be coupled totwo of the sides of the load distribution ring 912. In some embodiments,the load distribution ring 912 is made from the same material as theinelastic band 916 and has the same elasticity as the inelastic band916. In other embodiments, the load distribution ring 912 is made from afirst material and has a first elasticity while the inelastic band 916is made from a second material and has a second elasticity or is madefrom the first material but has a second elasticity.

The elastic band 908 can be referred to as a first diagonal elastic bandsince it can be arranged diagonally and extend at an angle down and awayfrom the load distribution ring 912 on the right leg portion 902 towarda lower edge of the right leg portion 902. Similarly, the elastic band910 can be referred to as a second diagonal elastic band since it can bearranged diagonally and extend at an angle down and away from the loaddistribution ring 912 on the left leg portion 904 toward a lower edge ofthe left leg portion 902.

In some embodiments, an optional second inelastic band 920 and anoptional third inelastic band 918 can each be coupled between theinelastic band 916 and a bottom portion of the shorts 900. The bottomportion of the shorts 900 can include a bottom edge of the shorts 900 ora location proximate the bottom edge. In other words, coupling to thebottom edge portion can include coupling to the bottom edge as well ascoupling to a point or region that is above the bottom edge. Theoptional second inelastic band 920 can be arranged on the left legportion 904 and the optional third inelastic band 918 can be arranged onthe right leg portion 902. In one embodiment, the optional secondinelastic band 920 is parallel to the elastic band 910, and the optionalthird inelastic band 918 is parallel to the elastic band 908. Thisparallel embodiment is best seen in FIG. 11.

For the purposes of this disclosure, “coupled to”, “secured to” and“arranged atop” can include any process that fixes one component toanother. For instance, sewing or stitching two components together isone means of fixing two components together.

The load distribution ring 912 can take on a variety of shapes, such asa disc, oval, pentagon (as illustrated), or any other shape having aplurality of edges, to name a few. Typical shapes have substantiallyradial symmetry (e.g., circle, equilateral triangle, square). In oneembodiment, the load distribution ring 912 can be arranged proximate tothe waist portion 914, meaning that the load distribution ring 912 canbe arranged proximate to the waist portion 914 or overlapping the waistportion 914.

The base layer 901 can be made from a first material and have a firstelasticity, which may be described as elastic. This first material canbe similar to or identical to the 4-way stretch material described inearlier figures. The elastic bands 906, 908, 910 can be made from asecond material having a second elasticity, which may also be describedas elastic. In some cases, the first and second materials are the same,and thus the base layer 901 and the elastic bands 906, 908, 910 can havethe same elasticity. However, the addition of the elastic bands 906,908, 910 atop the base layer 901 can create regions having a differenteffective elasticity than areas of the base layer 901 that are notcovered by or coupled to an elastic band.

The inelastic bands 916, 918, 920 can be made from a third materialhaving a third elasticity, which can be described as inelastic. Thethird material can be similar to or the same as the non-stretch materialdiscussed in earlier figures. The third elasticity is typically lesselastic than the first and second elasticities. For instance, the thirdmaterial, in an embodiment, does not substantially stretch when tensionis placed on the third material via a user's body.

In some embodiments, the shorts 900 can be made from one or more baselayer segments. As illustrated, two segments are used—a left leg portion902 and a right leg portion 904. However, in other embodiments, a singleportion can be use to make the entire shorts 900. In other embodiments,multiple panels or regions can be coupled (e.g., via stitching) to formthe shorts 900.

Bands can be straight or curved. They can have parallel edges (e.g.,same width along the extent of the band) or they can be tapered atportions (e.g., see FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 illustrates a front of a shirt 1200 according to one embodimentof this disclosure, and FIG. 13 illustrates a back of the shirt 1200according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The shirt 1200 can beconfigured to counteract detrimental upper body movements when worn by auser. The shirt can include a base layer 1202 and a plurality ofinelastic bands coupled atop the base layer 1202. For instance, a rearof the illustrated shirt 1200 includes first, second, third, and fourthinelastic bands 1216, 1212, 1218, 1214 coupled atop the base layer 1202.The illustrated shirt 1200 further includes fifth and sixth inelasticbands 1222, 1220 coupled to a back of the shirt 1200.

The shirt 1200 further includes a load distribution ring 1224 coupledatop a middle of the back of the shirt 1200. The load distribution ring1224 anchors ends of at least some of the plurality of inelastic bands.For instance, and as illustrated, the load distribution ring 1224anchors ends of the first, second, third, and fourth inelastic bands1216, 1212, 1218, 1214. The front of the shirt 1200 includes seventh,eighth, ninth, and tenth inelastic bands 1204, 1208, 1206, 1210.

The shirt 1200 can include shoulder regions, such as right shoulderregion 1228 and left shoulder region 1230. The shoulder regions 1228,1230 can be devoid of inelastic bands. Further, the first and secondinelastic bands 1216, 1212 can couple the right shoulder region 1228 andthe left shoulder region 1230, respectively, to the load distributionring 1224. The first and second inelastic bands 1216, 1212 can bearranged at angles extending outward from the load distribution ring1224 toward their respective shoulder regions 1228, 1230.

The third and fourth inelastic bands 1218, 1214 can be arranged atangles extending outward from the load distribution ring 1224 toward abottom region of the back of the shirt 1200. The bottom region caninclude the bottom edge 1232 or any points proximate the bottom edge1232. As illustrated, the third and fourth inelastic bands 1218, 1214extend to the edge 1232.

The shirt 1200 can further include a neck or neck region 1226. The fifthand sixth inelastic bands 1222, 1220 can couple the neck region 1226 tothe first and second inelastic bands 1216, 1212, respectively. The fifthand sixth inelastic bands 1222, 1220 can extend down and out from theneck region 1226 toward the first and second inelastic bands 1216, 1212.The fourth and fifth inelastic bands 1222, 1220 can couple to the neckregion 1226, or can couple to points proximate the neck region 1226,meaning that they are not required to touch the neck region 1226.

The load distribution ring 1224 can take on a variety of shapes, such asa disc (as illustrated), oval, pentagon, or any other shape having aplurality of edges. Typical shapes have substantially radial symmetry(e.g., circle, equilateral triangle, square). The load distribution ring1224 is arranged substantially in a middle of the back of the shirt1200, meaning that the load distribution ring 1224 can be arranged alonga vertical axis that separates a back left from a back right portion ofthe shirt 1200. Substantially in the middle can also mean that the loaddistribution ring 1224 is equidistant from the neck 1226 and a bottomedge 1232 of the shirt 1200. However, in other embodiments, the loaddistribution ring 1224 can be somewhat shifted closer to the neck 1226or closer to the bottom edge 1232.

The seventh inelastic band 1204 couples to, or proximal to, the rightshoulder region 1228 at one end. The other end of the seventh inelasticband 1204 couples to a region between the neck region 1226 and a rightarmpit. The eighth inelastic band 1208 couples the neck region 1208 tothe seventh inelastic band 1204 at an angle. For instance, and asillustrated, an angle between the seventh and eighth inelastic bands1204, 1208 can be substantially a right angle, although other angles arealso possible. As illustrated, an end of the eighth inelastic band 1208couples to a side of the seventh inelastic band 1204. However, in otherembodiments, an end of the seventh band 1204 can couple to a side of theeighth inelastic band 1208. Alternatively, both bands can have an angledend such that the angled ends couple to each other much like edges of apicture frame fit together.

All inelastic bands and the load distribution ring 1224 are secured toor coupled atop the base layer 1202 thus forming a single layer oralternatively a second layer of the shirt 1200. Each inelastic band canhave parallel edges, or as illustrated, can have tapered edges whereinthe width of one end of a band is greater than a width of the other end.

Turning now to FIGS. 14A-14B, another embodiment of the shirt isdiscussed. In FIG. 14B, a shirt 1400 having an elastic base layer, andan inelastic load distribution ring or portion 1420, an inelastic firstcross-connecting portion 1421, second cross-connecting portion 1422, andthird cross-connecting portion 1423 is shown. Fourth, fifth, and sixthcross-connecting portions 1421 a, 1422 a, 1423 a oppose the first,second, and third cross-connecting portions 1421, 1422, 1423respectively. The shirt 1400 also has an inelastic first shoulder flareportion 1451 and a second shoulder flare portion 1451 a opposing thefirst shoulder flare portion 1451. The shirt 1400 also has an inelasticfirst support connector 1452, a second inelastic support connector 1452a opposing the first support connector 1452. The shirt 1400 also has athird inelastic support connector 1453 and a fourth inelastic supportconnector 1453 a opposing the third inelastic support connector 1453.The shirt also has a center inelastic support connector 1454. Seventh,eighth, ninth, and tenth bands 1404, 1408, 1404 a, 1408 a may beprovided on the front of the shirt, as shown in FIG. 14A.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cross-connectingbands 1421, 1422, 1423, 1421 a, 1422 a, 1423 a are joined at the loaddistribution portion 1420, all of which comprise an inelastic material.The load distribution portion 1420 is configured and placed such that,when worn, the load distribution portion 1420 will cause the firstcross-connecting portion 1421, the second cross-connecting portion 1422,the first support connector 1452, and the third support connector 1453to provide a tension at the bottom and inside edges of the scapula,which posteriorly tilts and externally rotates the scapula. Posteriortilting and externally rotating the scapula provides more room for theupper arm to move under the anatomical ‘roof of the shoulder for theshoulder to properly function while avoiding soft tissue impingement.Further, this tension, in combination with a force applied by the firstcross-connecting band 1421, activates the critically important scapularstabilizing muscles including the serratus anterior and lower trapeziusmuscles. By ensuring the scapula is in the correct position, the shirt1400 connects the kinetic chain, wherein forces from pushing on theground transfer up the body's segments to reach the arm and hand formaximum power. A weak link in this power transfer causes compensationsin other muscles, leading to pain and injury. Connecting the firstcross-connecting band 1421 to the second cross-connecting band 1422, atthe load distribution portion 1420 promotes the correct placement of thescapula within the myofascial tracks of the body; whereas the secondcross-connecting band 1422, the first support connector 1452 and thirdsupport connector 1453 create a scapular sling that presses on thebottom middle portions of the scapula for the proper kinematicorientation of the scapula—which is a function of the scapularstabilizing muscles, namely the serratus anterior and lower trapeziusmuscles. The fourth, fifth, and sixth cross-connection bands 1421 a,1422 a, 1423 a operate similarly on the left side of the body, as shown.

As can be seen in FIG. 14A, the first cross-connecting band 1421 and theshoulder flare portion 1451 may extend over the shoulder, while thesecond cross-connecting band 1422 and the first support connector 1452may spiral around a lower portion of the rib cage.

The center support connector 1454 is, as shown, a flared or triangularportion connecting a third cross-connecting band 1423 to a minor-imageband or sixth cross-connecting band 1423 a on the opposite side of thebody, just under the load distribution portion 1420. This center supportconnector 1454 is provided to maintain a proper positioning of thecross-connecting bands 1421, 1422, 1423, 1421 a, 1422 a, 1423 a evenwhen the user has a hunched posture. That is, the center supportconnector 1454 is provided to apply a supplementary force to the user toprevent the shirt 1400 from moving away from the body (i.e. to maintaina form fit to the skin) and to maintain an appropriate position andfunctioning of the cross-connecting bands 1421, 1422, 1423, 1421 a, 1422a, 1423 a.

The shoulder flare portion 1451, which comprises an inelastic portion,is configured to broaden the width of the first cross-connecting band1421 at the top of the shoulder, specifically, at the top outer portionof the scapula near the acromion process. This provides a wider deliveryof tension to and from the front portion of the shirt than would beexperienced using the cross-connecting band 1421 alone.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14B, it should be noted that the secondcross-connecting portion 1422 extends from the load distribution portion1420 to the side of the user, spiraling around a lower portion of therib cage, while the third cross-connecting portion 1423 extends from theload distribution portion 1420 down to an area of the skin thatcorresponds to an upper portion of the ilium of the pelvic bone.Configuring the first, second and third cross-connecting bands 1421,1422, 1423 bands in this manner (that is, applying compression at a linefrom the lower outside of the low back up and diagonal over to the topof the shoulder) effectively maintains the joints in an optimizedkinetic chain.

When the kinetic chain is maintained in an optimal configurationthroughout an overhead movement, power transferred from the ground tothe hand is maximized. Here, the configuration of the first, second andthird cross-connecting bands 1421, 1422, 1423 causes an optimal transferof power through the kinetic chain from the ground to the contralateralshoulder.

Some embodiments of the shirt 1400 are configured to enhance activationof a muscle if it is abnormally inhibited, and reduce activation of amuscle if it is over activated. More specifically, the shirt 1400 may beconfigured to provide mechanical and sensory stimulation to guide ajoint to an optimal neutral joint position. The optimal neutral jointposition is one that minimizes stress to the joint and soft tissuescrossing the joint. The mechanical stimulation is to be understood asbeing a force applied at a location of the user that will guide theaffected muscles and/or joint towards and/or into an optimum jointposition. Relatedly, a sensory stimulation, which may also be a force,or a force in one location on the body coupled with a lack of a force onanother location of the body, that causes the user to self-activatehis/her muscles to bring the affected joint into an optimum neutraljoint position.

It should also be noted that the embodiments previously discussed do notcomprise inelastic portions extending down the arms. Allowing the armsto move freely while properly supporting the position and motion of thescapula provides for optimal function of the glenohumeral joint. Bysupporting the scapula (i.e. preventing or limiting internal rotationand anterior tilting of the scapula), to which the deltoid and otherimportant muscles are attached, the upper arm, or humerus, is supportedin an optimal position for arm movement. In turn, the deltoid musclesare prevented from developing an excessive shearing force andpain/discomfort for the user.

In further embodiments, VELCRO straps, D-ring connectors, or some otheradjustment means can be used to shorten or lengthen any of the one ormore bands that couple to, or are anchored by, the load distributionring 912. In other words, different portions of the inelastic band 916can be connected to the load distribution ring 912 to increase ordecrease the tension of the inelastic band 916 just as a belt isshortened or lengthened. Such an embodiment allows the shorts 900 toaccommodate varying user proportions (e.g., different thigh girths orupper leg circumferences). The adjustability of any one or more of thebands also allows customization of the level of support provided by theshorts 900 to the gluteus medius muscle as well as control of hipabduction and extension and posterior tipping of the pelvis.

In further embodiments, the various shorts and shirts herein describedcan be combined into what will be referred to as a one-piece garment.The combination of shorts and a shirt can be made possible via aconnecting mechanism such as the connecting mechanisms 800 in FIG. 8Aand connecting mechanisms 801 in FIG. 8B. In other embodiments, theshorts and shirt can be manufactured from a single base layer havingvarious inelastic and elastic bands coupled atop the base layer.Alternatively, the shorts and shirt can be manufactured separately andthen sewn together at a waist portion 914 of the shorts and a bottomportion of the shirt 1200.

Throughout this disclosure, reference has been made to continuous bands.In some embodiments, these bands need not be continuous. For instance,the continuous elastic band 402 can comprise three different bands thatall meet at the load distribution ring 414. The three separate bands canbe connected under the load distribution ring 414 or can merely connectto the load distribution ring 414 and otherwise be separated from eachother. In further embodiments, VELCRO straps, D-ring connectors, or someother adjustment means can be used to shorten or lengthen any of the oneor more bands that couple to, or are anchored by, the load distributionring 414. In other words, different portions of the continuous elasticband 402 can be connected to the load distribution ring 414 to increaseor decrease the tension of the continuous elastic band 402 just as abelt is shortened or lengthened. Such an embodiment allows the shorts400 to accommodate varying user proportions (e.g., different thighgirths or upper leg circumferences). The adjustability of the threestraps also allows customization of the level of support provided by theshorts 400 to the gluteus medius muscle as well as control of hipabduction and extension and posterior tipping of the pelvis.

Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, reference has been made toinelastic bands or portions coupled to a base layer and/or portionshaving a first elasticity coupled to a base layer having a second layer.It should be understood that the term “coupled to” in this disclosure ismeant to include all means of attaching a first section of fabric havinga first elasticity to a second section of fabric having a secondelasticity, which may or may not be different from the first elasticity.The first and second sections may be sewn, glued, or stitched atop oneanother, interwoven with one another, or the first section of fabric,which may be an inelastic band, may be continuous with the secondsection of fabric, which may be a base layer. More specifically, theterm “base layer” is merely meant to refer to a non-manipulative portionof the garment, while the terms “band”, “inelastic/less elasticportion”, “load distribution portion”, etc. are merely meant toreference those portions of a garment that are intended to, directly orindirectly, manipulate a wearer's posture, provide sensory feedbackand/or support a muscle.

In conclusion, the present invention provides, among other things, amethod, system, and apparatus for clothing that replicates orcompensates for weakened or exhausted stabilizing muscles by supportingmyofascial tracks or skeletal features. Those skilled in the art canreadily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be madein the invention, its use, and its configuration to achievesubstantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments describedherein. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shirt configured to counteract detrimentalupper body movement, the shirt comprising: a front portion adapted to bepositioned over the front of a user when worn; a rear portion adapted tobe positioned over a back of the user when worn, the rear portionfurther comprising a proximal portion adapted to be positioned over thecenter of the user's back when worn, right and left shoulder portionsadapted to be positioned over the right and left shoulder regions of theuser, right and left lower rib cage portions adapted to be positionedover the right lower rib cage region and left lower rib cage regions ofthe user; and right and left ilium portions adapted to be positionedover the right and left ilium regions of the user; wherein the rearportion further comprises: a base layer having a first elasticity; aplurality of bands coupled to the base layer, the plurality of bandscomprising a second elasticity less than the first elasticity, a firstcross-connecting band, a second cross-connecting band, a thirdcross-connecting band, a fourth cross-connecting band, a fifthcross-connecting band, and a sixth cross-connecting band; and a loaddistribution portion coupled to the base layer, the load distributionportion anchoring proximal ends of the plurality of bands; wherein theplurality of bands is configured to limit internal rotation and anteriortilting of the scapula when the shirt is worn by a user; the firstcross-connecting band extends from the load distribution portion up tothe right shoulder portion, and the fourth cross-connecting band extendsfrom the load distribution portion up to the left shoulder portion; thesecond cross-connecting band extends from the load distribution portiondown to the right lower rib cage portion, and the fifth cross-connectingband extends from the load distribution portion down to the left lowerrib cage portion; the third cross-connecting band extends from the loaddistribution portion down to the right ilium portion, and the sixthcross-connecting band extends from the load distribution portion down tothe left ilium portion; a first support connector couples the firstcross-connecting band to a distal portion of the second cross-connectingband and limits a separation distance between the first cross-connectingband and the distal portion of the second cross-connecting band; and asecond support connector couples the fourth cross-connection band to adistal portion of the fifth cross-connecting band and limits aseparation distance between the fourth cross-connecting band and thedistal portion of the fifth cross-connecting band.
 2. The shirt of claim1, wherein the front portion of the shirt further comprises: right andleft pectoralis minor portions adapted to be positioned over the rightand left pectoralis minor regions of the user when worn; right and leftclavicle portions adapted to be positioned over the right and leftclavicle regions of the user when worn; a seventh band, an eighth band,a ninth band, and a tenth band; wherein the seventh band couples to theright pectoralis minor portion of the shirt, and the eighth band extendsfrom the seventh band up to the right clavicle portion the ninth bandcouples to the left pectoralis minor portion of the shirt, and the tenthband extends from the ninth band up to the left clavicle portion.
 3. Theshirt of claim 2, wherein the seventh and eighth bands couple to eachother at an angle, and the ninth and tenth bands couple to each other atan angle; the eighth band extends upwardly and proximally from theseventh band; and the tenth band extends upwardly and proximally fromthe ninth band.
 4. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the load distributionportion is in the shape of a disc.
 5. The shirt of claim 1, furthercomprising: a right acromion portion adapted to cover the right acromionregion of the user when worn, and a left acromion portion adapted tocover the left acromion region of the user when worn; a first shoulderflare portion extending distally from the first cross-connecting band tothe right acromion portion of the shirt, the first shoulder flareportion comprising an inelastic material; and a second shoulder flareportion extending distally from the fourth cross-connecting portion tothe left acromion portion of the shirt, the second shoulder flareportion comprising an inelastic material.
 6. The shirt of claim 1,further comprising a center support connector coupling an upper regionof the third cross-connecting band to an upper region of the sixthcross-connecting band.
 7. The shirt of claim 6, wherein the centersupport connector limits a separation distance between the upper regionsof the third and sixth cross-connecting bands to maintain a form fit ofthe shirt when worn by the user.
 8. The shirt of claim 1, wherein theshirt provides a mechanical and sensory stimulation to guide humeri ofthe user up and away from a torso of the user, and creates a retractionof right and left clavicles and right and left scapulae of the user, foran optimal neutral joint position.
 9. The shirt of claim 1, furthercomprising a third support connector coupling the secondcross-connecting band and a distal portion of the first supportconnector, and a fourth support connector coupling the fifthcross-connecting band and a distal portion of the second supportconnector, the second and third support connectors comprising aninelastic material; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth supportconnectors apply a compression force to inferior and medial portions ofthe user's scapulae when worn.
 10. The shirt of claim 1, wherein theshirt does not apply a compressive force on lateral portions of themuscles deltoideus of the user when worn.
 11. The shirt of claim 1,wherein the shirt does not apply a compressive force on the vertebraecervicales VII of the user when worn.
 12. A method of counteractingdetrimental upper body movement, the method comprising: donning a shirt,the shirt comprising: a front portion adapted to be positioned over thefront of a user when worn; a rear portion adapted to be positioned overthe back of the user when worn, the rear portion further comprising aproximal portion adapted to be positioned over the center of the user'sback when worn, right and left shoulder portions adapted to bepositioned over the right and left shoulder regions of the user, rightand left lower rib cage portions adapted to be positioned over the rightlower rib cage region and left lower rib cage regions of the user; andright and left ilium portions adapted to be positioned over the rightand left ilium regions of the user; wherein the rear portion furthercomprises: a base layer having a first elasticity; a plurality of bandscoupled to the base layer, the plurality of bands comprising a secondelasticity less than the first elasticity, a first cross-connectingband, a second cross-connecting band, a third cross-connecting band, afourth cross-connecting band, a fifth cross-connecting band, and a sixthcross-connecting band; and a load distribution portion coupled to thebase layer, the load distribution portion anchoring proximal ends of theplurality of bands; wherein the plurality of bands is configured tolimit internal rotation and anterior tilting of the scapula when theshirt is worn by a user; the first cross-connecting band extends fromthe load distribution portion up to the right shoulder portion, and thefourth cross-connecting band extends from the load distribution portionup to the left shoulder portion; the second cross-connecting bandextends from the load distribution portion down to the right lower ribcage portion, and the fifth cross-connecting band extends from the loaddistribution portion down to the left lower rib cage portion; the thirdcross-connecting band extends from the load distribution portion down tothe right ilium portion, and the sixth cross-connecting band extendsfrom the load distribution portion down to the left ilium portion; afirst support connector couples the first cross-connecting band to adistal portion of the second cross-connecting band and limits aseparation distance between the first cross-connecting band and thedistal portion of the second cross-connecting band; and a second supportconnector couples the fourth cross-connection band to a distal portionof the fifth cross-connecting band and limits a separation distancebetween the fourth cross-connecting band and the distal portion of thefifth cross-connecting band; and limiting internal rotation and anteriortilting of the scapula.
 13. The method of claim 12, comprising:adjusting the shirt such that the user experiences a compressive forceon the inferior and medial portions of the user's scapula.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, comprising: preventing internal rotation andanterior tilting of the scapula.
 15. The method of claim 12, comprising:applying compression forces on the user such that the user's kineticchain of joints is maintained in optimum relation to each other, andpower is transferred from the ground through the user's body segments toprovide maximum power to the user's arm.